Hanger-strap or handhold for cars.



No. 863,935. I PATENTBD AUG. 20, 1907.

- J. F. NEWTON; JR.

HANGERSTRAPOR HANDHOLD FOR GARS.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 24. 1907.

I M6522 eases.-

cfito rney.

JOHN F. NEWTON, JR, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

HANGER-STRAP OR HANDHOLD FOR CARS.

Speeification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 20, 1907.

Application filed May 24 1907. Serial No. 375,455.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN F. NEWTON, .Ir., a citizen of the United States, residing at Boston, in the county of Suffolk, State of Massachusetts, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Hanger-Straps or Handholds for Cars, dam, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The leather hanger-straps or hand-holds which are provided in cars for use by standing passengers soon become soiled through contact with the more or less unclean hands by which they are grasped, as well as charged with perspiration. In the dirty, greasy, discolored, softened and slippery state which they soon assume, they are not only offensive or repulsive to grasp, but probably serve as vehicles for the transfer of infectious sores and diseases, including such as may be communicated to the delicate membranes of the eyes and other organs by a hand which has been in contact with an infected strap.

The object of my invention is primarily to provide a hanger-strap or hand-hold which shall have a surface that is non-absorbent and cleanly, and which shall be free from the objections that are specified above.

The invention consists in a hanger-strap or hand-hold having the downwardly-extending side-portions of the pendent loop thereof, and the bottom-portion of such loop, furnished with a smooth, non-absorbent, surface which readily keeps clean.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings, in which latter,

Figure 1 shows in elevation a hanger-strap or hand hold embodying one form of the invention, and a portion of the length of the supporting-rod or bar for the same. Fig. 2 is a view taken at right angles to Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view in cross-section on line 3, 3, of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view similar to F ig. 3, showing a strap having a covering which entirely incloses the hand-grasp.

Having reference to the drawings.at 1 is shown a portion of the length of a horizontal bar or red such as is employed in a car for the support of the hanger-straps or hand-holds. At 2 is a hanger-strap or hand-hold, composed of a length of leather doubled upon itself and with its end-portions overlapped with each other, the overlapping end-portions and the opposite side-portion being secured by means of fastenings 3, 3, which pass through all three thereof. The upper and smaller loop of the strap accommodates the supporting-bar or rod 1, and the lower loop is for the hand of a passenger. Usually, as is well-known, the fingers of the said hand are inserted into the opening of the lower loop, and one side of the said loop is grasped by closing the hand thereon, or the fingers are hooked around the bottom or bight of the loop.

In making the strap, the flesh side of the leather is turned to the inside-of the loops, the grain side being exposedat the exterior. The grain side is comparatively hard, smooth, and non-absorbent, but the flesh side is soft, spongy, and absorbent. This latter side, in use, soon becomes charged with perspiration, grease and dirt, and the necessary close contact of ones hand therewith becomes exceedingly undesirable and un pleasant. Y

In accordance with my invention I make the strap with a smooth, non-absorbent surface, as aforesaid. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the d epending side-portions of the lower loop, from near the fastenings 3, 3, and the lower bend or bight of the said loop,

are furnished with an inclosing sheet-metal facing 4. This facing, in Fig. 3, covers the inner or flesh surface of the strap, and is clasped around and upon the edges of the leather, leaving the exterior or grain surface of the leather uncovered. The said exterior surface makes less contact with a passcngers hand, and besides, on account of being hard and smooth it is less likely to become offensive or obnoxious. In Fig. 4 the covering completely incloses the strap.

I do not limit myself to the use of sheet metal, for other known forms of coatings or coverings may be employed. The leather, or the metal, may be enameled.

The facing easily keeps clean.

The surfacing or facing adds to the strength and durability of the strap, but does not noticeably increase the weight of the latter. If desired the strap can be perforated for purposes of ventilation, which will reduce the tendency to occasion perspiration of the hand by which it is grasped.

The side-edges of the metallic strip are turned or doubled back upon themselves, longitudinally of the strip, as shown in Figs. 3 and t, for the purpose of covering in and shielding such edges when the strip is applied to the strap and clasped in place upon the edge portions of the strap, and also for the purpose of reinforcement so that the facing shall remain effective to hold the loop extended even under the application of considerable pressure to the same.

I claim as my inventionz- 1. A hanger-strap or hand-hold for cars having a smooth and non-absorbent surface throughout the upright sideportions and closed lower end or bight of the depending loop thereof.

2. The improved hangerstrap or hand-hold for cars. having both upright sides and the closed lower end or big-ht of the depending loop thereof covered by a sheetmetal facing.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN F. NEWTON, Jn.

Witnesses 1 CHAS. F. RANDALL, EDILII .l'. ANDERSON. 

